Ironman SA 2025 - Dillon Ruiters

Isuzu Ironman South Africa 2025

From Training to Triumph: My First Full Ironman Journey
Training for my first full Ironman was a deeply rewarding experience. Living in the Northern Suburbs made it a bit tricky to attend all the team training sessions on the Atlantic Seaboard, but I made the most of what I could. I consistently joined the Friday morning canal swims and attended the Blue Lagoon training camp. Despite the distance, I always felt supported by Coach STeve and the Embark team, which kept me motivated and helped me stay focused as race day approached.

The RACE:
The Swim – A Steady Start

Going into the swim, I felt calm and prepared. While many competitors commented on the choppy water, I managed to find a rhythm early on and stuck with it. The regular open water swims on Friday mornings with Embark paid off. Funny enough, I swam an extra 500m during the first loop – rookie mistake – but it didn’t throw me off too much. Seeded in the 1:20 wave, I clocked in a 1:32 swim time, which I was really happy with considering the conditions.

The Bike – A Battle with the Wind

The bike leg was, hands down, the toughest part of the day. The first 23km to the turning point came with a relentless headwind that made it hard to settle in. But once I found my rhythm, I stayed consistent through all three loops. Despite the tough weather, I hit my target with a sub-7 hour ride. It was a real mental and physical challenge, but incredibly satisfying to conquer.

The Run – A Celebration of Training

The marathon course was mostly flat with two hills at the turning points. Thanks to the Thursday evening runs from the program, I felt mentally strong and ready. The first 3km were tough, but I found my stride with a walk/run strategy that kept me steady. The support on the course was phenomenal – especially the Embark cheer zone, which gave me a massive boost every time I passed. The run honestly felt like a celebration of all the hours, effort, and dedication I’d put in. I crossed the line with a sub-5:30 marathon, smiling the whole way.

The Finish – An Emotional High

Crossing the Ironman finish line was an emotional moment – the culmination of early mornings, long sessions, and months of commitment. Huge kudos to Coach STeve for putting together a program that not only got me to the start line but carried me all the way to the finish. This was my first full Ironman – and definitely not my last.